Drink packages usually cost more than you'll spend if you order à la carte, unless you drink alcohol steadily throughout the day
Most cruise lines sell drink packages that cover soft drinks, coffee, juice, and alcohol for a flat daily rate — typically $15 to $18 per person per day for non-alcoholic, and $65 to $80 per person per day for alcohol included. Whether the package saves you money depends on what you actually drink, not what the cruise line hopes you'll drink.
The math is straightforward: if you order three cocktails a day at $12 to $15 each, plus coffee and soft drinks, you'll spend $45 to $50 daily. A package at $70 covers that and more. But if you drink one or two cocktails daily and mostly water, you'll spend $25 to $30 without a package — less than half the package price. The break-even point is roughly three to four alcoholic drinks per day, every day of your cruise.
One hidden cost: many packages exclude premium spirits, craft cocktails, and specialty drinks. A mojito made with top-shelf rum might cost $18 instead of the $14 included-drink price. Champagne and wine by the glass often fall outside the package too. If you order these drinks, the package saves less than advertised.
Key Takeaways
- Drink packages break even around three to four alcoholic drinks per day; if you drink fewer, ordering à la carte costs less.
- Premium spirits, craft cocktails, and wine by the glass are usually excluded from packages, so specialty orders still cost extra.
- Soft-drink-only packages rarely save money unless you have children who drink multiple sodas daily or you consume a lot of coffee.
- Buying a package before your cruise is cheaper than buying it onboard, and some lines offer discounts if you book during the booking window.
- Sharing a package between two people does not work — packages are per-person and non-transferable.
How cruise lines price drinks and packages
Cruise lines set drink prices high enough that most passengers who buy à la carte spend $50 to $80 per day. A single cocktail runs $12 to $16; beer costs $7 to $10; soft drinks are $3 to $4 each. Coffee is $4 to $6 per cup. These prices are higher than land-based bars because the cruise line has a captive audience and no local competition.
The package price is set so that the line makes money on most passengers who buy it. If the average passenger drinks two cocktails and three soft drinks daily, they spend about $45 without a package. The cruise line sells the package for $70, pockets the difference, and counts on the fact that many people will buy it out of convenience or because they think they'll drink more than they actually do.
Buying the package before your cruise costs less than buying it onboard. Pre-purchase prices are often 10 to 20 percent lower, and some lines offer discounts during the booking window — usually 30 to 60 days before departure. If you wait until you board, you'll pay full onboard price, which is higher.
When a drink package makes financial sense
A package saves money if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks daily, or if you have multiple children who each drink several sodas and juices daily. Families with young kids sometimes find soft-drink packages worthwhile because kids will order juice or soda at meals, by the pool, and at the buffet — costs add up quickly.
Packages also make sense if you value convenience over cost. You don't have to carry a room card to order a drink, sign tabs, or worry about the bill at the end of the cruise. Some people find that worth the premium even if they'd spend less without it.
A package is also useful if you plan to visit the specialty restaurants or attend evening shows where drinks are included only with a package. Some lines bundle package drinks into their premium dining experiences, so if you're already paying for those venues, the package extends the value.
When ordering à la carte is cheaper
If you drink one or two cocktails daily and mostly water, coffee, or one soft drink, you'll spend $20 to $35 per day without a package. A package at $70 costs more than double. The same applies if you drink mostly beer or wine — a beer costs $8, so two beers and a soft drink runs $15, well below package price.
Passengers who don't drink alcohol at all should never buy an alcohol package. A soft-drink-only package costs $15 to $18 per day, but a bottle of water is free, and one soda per day costs $3 to $4. Unless you're ordering five or more soft drinks daily, you'll spend less without the package.
If you plan to spend time at the beach or in your cabin rather than at bars and restaurants, your drink spending will be lower. Many cruisers bring their own water bottles and refill them at the buffet, which is free. If that's your style, a package is wasted money.
What's included and what costs extra
Standard drink packages include well spirits, domestic beer, house wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice. They do not include premium brands like Grey Goose or Patron, craft cocktails with specialty ingredients, wine by the glass from the premium wine list, or bottled water beyond what's provided free in your cabin.
Some lines offer tiered packages. The basic package covers well drinks; a mid-tier package adds premium spirits; a top-tier package includes wine by the glass and specialty cocktails. Each tier costs more, and the higher tiers rarely save money unless you drink exclusively premium drinks.
Specialty venues like steakhouses or wine bars often charge extra even with a package. A wine tasting event or a bottle of wine from the wine shop is not covered. Read the fine print on your specific cruise line's website before buying, because what's included varies by line and by sailing date.
How to calculate your actual drink spending
Track what you drink on a typical day at home or on a previous cruise. Count every coffee, soft drink, and alcoholic drink. Multiply the number of drinks by the onboard price (available on the cruise line's website or in your onboard materials). Multiply that daily total by the number of days on your cruise.
Compare that number to the package price per day times the number of days. If your calculated spending is higher than the package cost, the package saves money. If it's lower, ordering à la carte is cheaper.
Be honest about your habits. Many people think they'll drink more on vacation than they actually do. If you drank two cocktails per day on your last cruise, assume you'll drink two on this one, not four. Overestimating your consumption is the main reason people buy packages they don't use.
Discounts and timing for package purchases
Most cruise lines offer the lowest pre-purchase prices 30 to 60 days before departure. If you book during this window, you'll pay less than if you wait until onboard. Some lines also offer discounts for repeat cruisers or loyalty program members — check your account on the cruise line's website.
Group bookings sometimes include package discounts. If you're cruising with a large party, ask the cruise line whether a group rate applies.
Onboard prices are always higher than pre-purchase prices. If you're unsure whether you want a package, buy it before the cruise at the discounted rate. You can usually cancel it within a certain window (typically 24 to 48 hours before departure) for a full refund if you change your mind. Buying onboard locks you in at full price with no refund option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a drink package for just part of my cruise?
Most lines require you to buy a package for the entire cruise or not at all. Some lines allow you to buy it for specific days, but this is rare and usually costs more per day than the full-cruise rate. Check with your cruise line before booking.
What happens if I don't use all the drinks I pay for?
Drink packages are non-refundable. Unused drinks do not roll over or convert to onboard credit. If you buy a package and drink fewer than expected, that money is gone. This is another reason to calculate your actual spending before buying.
Can two people share one drink package?
No. Packages are per-person and non-transferable. Each person who wants package coverage must buy their own. You cannot buy one package and split the drinks between two people.
Do kids' drinks cost less without a package?
Kids' soft drinks are usually cheaper than adult drinks — typically $2 to $3 instead of $3 to $4. A soft-drink package for a child might save money if they drink four or more sodas daily, but most kids drink fewer. Calculate based on your child's actual habits.
Is there a difference between packages on different cruise lines?
Yes. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian all price and structure packages differently. Some include gratuity; others don't. Some cover specialty venues; others don't. Compare what each line includes before deciding, because the best deal depends on what you actually drink and where you plan to spend time on the ship.